Delta jumpers are triple threats

STOCKTON - Delta College will be the only school represented by four triple jumpers in the finals of the Northern California Community College Championships.

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By Mark Godi

recordnet.com

By Mark Godi

Posted May. 11, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By Mark Godi

Posted May. 11, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Today's track and field event

CCCAA NorCal ChampionshipsFirst event: 2 p.m., American River College (Sacramento)

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Today's track and field event

CCCAA NorCal Championships

First event: 2 p.m., American River College (Sacramento)

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STOCKTON - Delta College will be the only school represented by four triple jumpers in the finals of the Northern California Community College Championships.

The meet begins at 2 p.m. today at American River College in Sacramento with the triple jump competition beginning at 6:50 p.m.

The Mustangs' Will Kaigler, Michael Lewis, Aman Pannu and Austin Willis hope to finish among the top six and advance to the state championships May 17-18 at College of San Mateo.

"I think this is huge for us," Lewis said. "Not just for the school, but for the area in general. To see that we are in a good coaching system and developing is something to be very proud of."

Delta track and field coaches Lauryn Jordan-Seals and Mike Speer came aboard in 2009. Soon after, Lester Bond joined as the jumps coach. Bond was an All-American jumper at San Jose State in the 1960s and has coached at various levels.

The Commission on Athletics archive dates to 2000 with Delta never having won the triple jump. From 2000-2010, the Mustangs had two jumpers make the regional finals. In the past three years, eight have made it.

"I think a lot of us wouldn't be here if it wasn't for coach Bond," Kaigler said. "He cares about us as athletes and people."

Kaigler, a freshman from West, and Lewis, a sophomore out of McNair, and Willis have a real shot at winning today. They have flirted with the 49-foot mark this season.

Lewis has the best mark on the team at 49-53/4 inches. He hopes to take down the school record of 50-5 set in 1972 by Anthony Terry and then possibly transfer to UC Riverside.

"I just took a visit there and really liked it," Lewis said. "They coach a lot of the same ways that I'm used to and made me feel comfortable."

Bond believes next season's team has the potential to be even better. He plans to get everyone but Lewis back, and has talented redshirts waiting to join the team in Bear Creek's Jack Phouminavong and Eric Sloan.

"It's a hard event to do," Bond said. "But if things go right, next year's guys will be right up there, too."